Last updated: 2026-10-10
2020 Subaru WRX Reliability Report
The 2020 Subaru WRX has good reliability and beats most 2020 sedans, but repeated dead batteries are the main thing owners report.
Recalls
1
Complaints
17
Complaint Rate
8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$682
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,000–$3,650
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Mid-pack among WRX years, with fewer complaints than 2019, led by repeated dead batteries and glass that cracks on its own.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 1 year after the mid-model improvements refresh.
- Year 6 in the Fourth generation (VA) (2015–2021).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation WRX (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2015: Fourth generation (VA) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is 1 year after the mid-model improvements refresh.
Should You Buy the 2020 Subaru WRX?
Reliability is good, above average among 2020 sedans and in the middle of the WRX's nine scored years. Owners filed 17 complaints, fewer than the 27 on the 2019, which rates worse. The 2021 rates about the same with 12. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $682, above the $526 class figure.
Dead batteries lead the complaints. Cars fail to start from the first few thousand miles to well past 20,000, and some drain flat after one day. Dealers often find nothing wrong. Some cars also stall with every warning light on. Glass cracks with nothing hitting it, including one rear window that broke at a stoplight. CVT fluid can leak at the engine-transmission joint. One recall covers exterior lighting.
Ask for battery replacement records and proof the lighting recall was done. Check the glass, and look for fluid at the transmission joint. The 2021 is worth comparing.
Compared to the 2021 Subaru WRX, which scored the same. See also the 2019 Subaru WRX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (14%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Batteries die again and again, leaving the car unable to start (5 complaints)
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER: Glass cracks or breaks with nothing hitting it (3 complaints)
Compare 2020 Subaru WRX With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2020 Subaru WRX carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 17.9
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Subaru WRX Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2020 Subaru WRX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence
Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
Buying a used 2020 Subaru WRX? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2020 Subaru WRX, and 1 recall was issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2020 Subaru WRX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 10.1%
Safety Technologies
Subaru WRXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$682
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
14%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,700–$4,350/yr
Fuel + repair
16–21 city / 22–27 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,000 |
| WRX 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,300 |
| WRX 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 16 | 22 | 19 | $3,650 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Subaru WRX.
Ask the seller not to drive the car the day before, then confirm it starts cleanly on your visit.
Have the battery load-tested and check its cold cranking amps against the rating on the label.
Check service records for repeated battery replacements, jump starts, or no-start visits.
Inspect the windshield and rear window for cracks, chips, or signs the glass was replaced.
Look underneath where the engine meets the CVT for fluid seepage or recent cleaning.
Shift through P, R, N, and D and confirm the dash display and rearview camera match each position.
Tap and swipe the whole head unit screen; look for peeling layers or inputs you did not make.
2020 Subaru WRX Common Problems by Component
17 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaintsBatteries die again and again, leaving the car unable to start. Failures appear anywhere from the first few thousand miles to well past 20,000 miles, and some batteries drain flat after the car sits for just one day. Testing shows low cold cranking amps. Dealers often find nothing wrong, replace the battery under warranty, or say the car needs more driving. The car can also stall or bog down while running, with every dash warning light coming on. In one no-start case, an independent shop replaced the telematics control module.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsGlass cracks or breaks with nothing hitting it. Front windshields crack while the car is parked or sitting still. In one report, the rear window broke with a loud pop at a stoplight, leaving a wide hole. The glass then kept crumbling into the cabin each time the car sped up, and some landed on a rear-facing child seat. Owners found no object that could explain the damage. Sudden glass failure can block the driver's view and send shards toward passengers.
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsCVT fluid leaks from the joint between the engine and transmission. The leak tends to turn up during routine oil changes, and shops can mistake it for spilled engine oil, so it may go unnoticed for a while. A separate report describes the dash showing reverse while the shifter is in neutral or drive. The rearview camera stays on while the car moves forward, and the check engine light comes on. A wrong gear display can make the driver unsure which way the car will move.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsThe infotainment head unit screen peels apart and registers touches no one made. Battery drain also appears here and matches the electrical complaints. The car goes dead after sitting for more than a day, with no warning signs beforehand. Drivers end up stranded, sometimes at night in unsafe areas. Dealer visits often end with the battery being recharged rather than the cause being found.
ENGINE (1 complaints)
ENGINE
1 complaintI purchased the vehicle used with 33800 miles and at 34100 the engine stalled and was hard to start, once started it was knocking severely. I have seen a class action law suit based on the same issues but the 2020 model year is not included
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintRear passenger seatbelts fraying. My two children are sitting in the back seat, there is no warning that my seatbelts were frayed putting their life at risk! Took the car to the dealership to have them check what is going on with the seatbelt mechanism, they said “there is no mechanical issue, therefore it is not under warranty.”
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintUPON APPLYING PARKING BRAKE TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE, WHICH IS BEYOND 11 CLICKS AS STATED AS REQUIRED BY SUBARU, AND THE VEHICLE IS ON AN INCLINE GREATER THAN 8 DEGREES, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT REMAIN IN PLACE. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT IF THE BRAKE IS REQUIRED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, IT WILL NOT EFFECTIVELY STOP THE VEHICLE AS THE WHEELS ARE STILL ALLOWED TO TURN MORE FREELY THAN EXPECTED GIVEN ITS INABILITY TO HOLD THE VEHICLE ON A HILL. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU TWICE EXPRESSING THE COMPLAINT AND WAS SUMMARILY DENIED SERVICE. THE TECHNICIAN REFUSED TO EVEN INSPECT VEHICLE EVEN AFTER REQUESTING AN INSPECTION. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT YOU MUST APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE TO 11 CLICKS AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR. THE FORCE REQUIRED TO PULL THE PARKING BRAKE TO 11 CLICKS IS MORE THAN MANY PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO APPLY IN A SINGLE MOTION AS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW. IN ADDITION, AIR COMPRESSION IS EXPLICATED STATED IN FEDERAL LAW AS NOT ALLOWED AS A MECHANISM OF FORCE FOR USE IN A PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. AIR COMPRESSION IS WHAT IS USED IN THE ENGINE AS A MEANS TO PREVENT THE WHEELS FROM MOVING WHEN IN GEAR. FURTHER, THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM SHALL ACCORDING TO FEDERAL LAW, USE AN ACCUMULATION OF FORCE INDEPENDENT OF OTHER SYSTEMS FOR THE PARKING BRAKE, WHICH IS NOT THE CASE PER THE INSTRUCTION FROM SUBARU. LASTLY, SUBARU ALSO INSTRUCTED ME TO PUT A WHEEL STOP BEHIND THE WHEEL AS A STANDARD PRACTICE IN THIS COMMON PARKING SCENARIO, WHICH ISN'T POSSIBLE TO DO IF I HAVE TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR TO PLACE THE WHEEL STOP. AS SOON AS I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE MOVES SO I AM UNABLE TO SAFELY EXIT VEHICLE IN ORDER TO PLACE THE WHEEL STOP. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BOTH FOR KEEPING A PARKED VEHICLE IN PLACE AND ALSO IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKE SCENARIO.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedTL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2020 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE SON WAS DRIVING AT 40 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP, RUNNING A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE WAS T-BONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IMPACT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HIT A LIGHT POST, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK. THE CONTACT STATED FIVE DAYS PRIOR HER SON WAS DRIVING AND THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO ENGAGED WHILE COMING TO A STOP LIGHT. THE DRIVER HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHTS OR MESSAGES WERE DISPLAYED DURING EITHER FAILURE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED WRIST. THE POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE PARAMEDIC CAME HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS TOLD TO CALL THE DOCTOR FOR X-RAYS. THE DRIVER WAS SEEN BY HIS DOCTOR FOR HIS FRACTURED WRIST. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE CONTACT CALLED HERITAGE SUBARU OWNINGS MILLS (9808 REISTERSTOWN ROAD OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117) AND WAS TOLD TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,100. *DT*JB
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintI HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2020 SUBARU WRX LIMITED. I HAVE LEARNED BY INSPECTION THAT THE STANDARD OEM TIRE ON THIS VEHICLE IS A DUNLOP SPORT MAX RT. THIS IS A HIGH PERFORMANCE SUMMER TIRE. THIS CLASS OF TIRE IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO BE USED IN VERY COLD WEATHER AND ESPECIALLY ON ICE AND SNOW. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY OWNED SUCH TIRES AND THEY ARE TERRIFYING ON ICE, THAT IS, DANGEROUS. I LIVE IN A AREA OF THE COUNTRY WHERE SNOW AND ICE ARE COMMON. SUBARU DID NOT INFORM ME OF THESE TIRES AND I AM NOW CONFRONTED WITH PURCHASING A NEW SET OF ALL SEASON TIRES SO I CAN SAFELY DRIVE MY CAR. BY THE WAY, I HAVE PREVIOUSLY WORKED IN TIRE ENGINEERING. IS A LESS KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON EXPECTED TO RECOGNIZE SUCH A DEFICIENCY AND TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS? NOT DRIVE IN COLD, SNOWY OR ICY CONDITIONS OR PURCHASE NEW TIRES?
Best & Worst Subaru WRX Years
Best Subaru WRX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreSubaru WRX Years to Avoid
No Subaru WRX years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 71 and 81 across 9 scored model years.
Subaru WRX Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Subaru WRX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Subaru WRX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru WRX?
Does the 2020 Subaru WRX have battery problems?
Has the 2020 Subaru WRX been recalled?
How much does the 2020 Subaru WRX cost to repair?
Don’t buy a 2020 Subaru WRX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2020 Subaru WRX
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2020 Subaru WRX does best on recall impact (88/100) and worst on repair costs (70/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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